Firefighters battled a Stockport car lot blaze yesterday when destructive arsonists caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The Portwood Car Sales lot on Richard Street was set alight at about 1.30am when arsonists approached the fenced compound and squirted an unknown accelerant into the grounds.
The owner of the car lot has now been left with a repair bill for several thousand pounds as the fire spread to the cars that were parked on the forecourt and a neighbouring warehouse.
Detective Constable Julian Scarsbrook said: “We believe this was a deliberate, targeted attack at these premises although the motive for why anyone would commit such a dangerous and reckless act is unclear.
“Whomever is responsible, we need to apprehend them because their actions have left the owner seriously out of pocket.
“What is even more serious is that when you mess around with fire you are putting lives at risk. No one can control a fire and it can quickly and easily spread, which in turn could seriously injure someone or possibly worse.”
Police are appealing for witnesses after CCTV footage from Tesco Extra showed a lot of people at the time of the fire.
DC Scarsbrook said: “There are lots of potential witnesses we need to speak to. If you were at the supermarket at that time and witnessed something, please call us.
“I would also ask anyone whose partner has recently come home with clothes smelling of fumes or smoke to think carefully. If you think you know who was involved, do the right thing.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 9727 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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